Free Site Induction Checklist

Site Induction Checklist FAQs

• Is this Site Induction Checklist free?

  Yes. It is free to download, with no sign-up and no email address needed. Select Download the Word checklist and the file downloads straight away.

• What format is the checklist?

  A Microsoft Word document (.docx) of 6 A4 pages, with no macros. It has induction details on the first page, eight numbered checklist sections, a delivered-by record, a practical final review and an attendance and acknowledgement table. Each prompt is a Word content control, and each topic has Covered and N/A tick boxes. It can be completed in Word, printed, or saved as a PDF once completed.

• Does CDM 2015 require a site induction?

  Yes. CDM 2015 requires a suitable site induction to be provided (regulation 13(4)(a) (opens in a new tab) and regulation 15(9)(a) (opens in a new tab)). It does not prescribe a particular induction form, checklist or format; the induction should be site-specific and proportionate to the work or visit.

• Who is responsible for providing a site induction?

  On projects with more than one contractor, the Principal Contractor must ensure a suitable site induction is provided. Contractors must provide a suitable site induction to workers under their control where the Principal Contractor has not already provided one, and they still need to give those workers the supervision, instructions and information needed for their work. See the Principal Contractor and contractor duties guides.

• What should a construction site induction include?

  Whatever people need to know about this site: typically the project and who manages it, access and restricted areas, traffic and pedestrian routes, welfare, first aid, fire and emergency arrangements, how to report accidents and hazards, relevant site rules, the particular site risks and controls, how further task-specific information and briefings are provided, and how to raise concerns. HSE guidance lists subjects to consider rather than a fixed list. See what a site induction should cover.

• Do visitors need a site induction?

  HSE guidance says occasional and once-only visitors also need an induction, proportionate to the nature of the visit (Site rules and induction (opens in a new tab)). An escorted visitor may only need to know the main hazards they may be exposed to, the relevant controls and the emergency arrangements; an unescorted visitor may need more detailed site information. Visitors do not need the same induction as workers.

• Does a site induction need to be signed?

  CDM 2015 requires a suitable induction; it does not prescribe a signature or a particular record format. An attendance or acknowledgement record is commonly useful, because it shows who was inducted and when. A signature alone does not prove that the person understood the information or that they are competent.

• How often should a site induction be repeated or updated?

  CDM does not set a fixed interval. The induction should stay relevant to the current site arrangements, and should be refreshed where meaningful changes make the existing information outdated or insufficient, such as a new phase of work, changed access or emergency arrangements, or new significant site risks. Changes that affect only one activity may be better communicated through targeted briefings.

• Can a site induction replace RAMS or task-specific training?

  No. A site induction covers the general site-specific arrangements. People still need the task-specific risk information, method, training, permits and supervision for their actual work, for example through RAMS or a Method Statement.

• Can I edit the checklist in Microsoft Word?

  Yes. Click a grey prompt and type to replace it, click a tick box to tick it, and add rows to any table by placing the cursor in the last cell and pressing Tab. The document is not locked, so you can also change or remove topics, and delete the About box before issue.